GWERU — Midlands State University’s (MSU) Research and Innovation Division transformed its Graduate School of Business Leadership into a hub of technological foresight on 1 June 2026, hosting the high-impact Afri3D Tech Workshop, a dynamic gathering aimed at embedding 3D printing and digital manufacturing into the DNA of higher education and national industrialisation.
The workshop united MSU’s scientific minds to dive headfirst into the practical applications of additive manufacturing.
The initiative directly drives Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 framework, which demands that universities move beyond traditional lecture halls to become engines of innovation, industrialisation, and tangible community impact.
Opening the proceedings, Professor G. Mugumbate, MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Industrialisation, underscored the critical necessity of next-generation production methods.
“Advanced manufacturing technologies are essential for strengthening both education and industrialisation,” Professor Mugumbate energised the room, setting a high-stakes tone for the day.
Taking the stage to map out the technical horizon was Mr. E. Muzangaza, CEO of Afri3D Tech.
Delivering a masterclass on the ‘3D Printing Digital Thread’, he unpacked the immense capabilities of 3D Material Extrusion and Additive Manufacturing.
Mr. Muzangaza laid down a bold challenge for domestic self-reliance.
“3D printing and additive manufacturing are transforming how we design, produce, and innovate in industry,” Mr. Muzangaza declared, rallying the audience. “We have to manufacture our own motor electronics products here in Zimbabwe.”
The strategic alignment between technology and national policy was further dissected by Mr. J. Muzangaza, Head of Operations at Afri3D Tech.
He seamlessly connected the dots between smart technologies, Education 5.0, and the global shift toward Industry 4.0.
“Integrating 3D printing and smart technologies into teaching and research prepares students with the skills needed for Education 5.0 and Industry 4.0,” he observed, highlighting the urgency of modernising academic curricula.
The workshop quickly transitioned from strategic vision to high-octane reality. Participants engaged in intense, hands-on sessions led by Mr. E. Muzangaza.
Attendees handled engineered components, analysed advanced printed materials, and participated in live machine demonstrations that covered the entire additive manufacturing lifecycle—from software slicing and material loading to print initiation, real-time monitoring, and strict safety protocols.
Professor G. Mehlana, Executive Director – MSU Research and Innovation Division, urged the gathered academics to view these technological leaps not as optional luxuries, but as foundational pillars for national growth.
As the workshop drew to a close, Dr. C. Musarurwa, Deputy Director – Research and Innovation, celebrated the seamless collaboration between academia and the private sector.
He left the audience with an inspiring vision of the future.
“3D printing will reduce the distance between imagination and reality,” Dr Musarurwa concluded.
Embedding these disruptive technologies into its academic fabric, MSU is doing more than teaching the future—it is building it.
The initiative marks a significant step forward in aligning the University’s research output with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), accelerating the nation’s journey toward sustainable industrialisation and technological empowerment.
